Trend forecasting service Stylesight has recently added global sourcing to their portfolio of services for fashion industry clients. In a newly announced partnership with Panjiva, users of the new service will be able to search an extensive database of over 750,000 suppliers in more than 190 countries. The platform also has the ability to allow users to connect with potential suppliers, conduct background and social compliance checks, keep tabs on competitors’ sourcing activities and review data from existing suppliers. Stylesight hopes the new service will allow their clients to achieve maximum productivity by saving time, money and eliminate sourcing risks when working with new suppliers. The platform will be available in early 2012 but an exact date has not been announced.

Stylesight clients include Pacific Northwest companies such as Nike, Amazon, and Nordstrom. Notable clients of Panjiva include the VF Corporation, Jordache, Kohls and Guess? Inc. For a better idea of how Panjiva works with clients to save time and money, check out this case study.

Trend forecasting service Stylesight has recently added global sourcing to their portfolio of services for fashion industry clients. In a newly announced partnership with Panjiva, users of the new service will be able to search an extensive database of over 750,000 suppliers in more than 190 countries. The platform also has the ability to allow users to connect with potential suppliers, conduct background and social compliance checks, keep tabs on competitors’ sourcing activities and review data from existing suppliers. Stylesight hopes the new service will allow their clients to achieve maximum productivity by saving time, money and eliminate sourcing risks when working with new suppliers. The platform will be available in early 2012 but an exact date has not been announced.

Stylesight clients include Nike, Brooks Brothers, Amazon, Nordstrom, Smashbox Cosmetics, and Li & Fung USA among others. Notable clients of Panjiva include the VF Corporation, Jordache, Kohls and Guess? Inc. For a better idea of how Panjiva works with clients to save time and money, check out this case study.

I recently came across a statistic that suggested more than 32% of women have cried over a breakout. I can totally relate. I’ve shed my share of tears too….probably more than most, or at least that’s how it felt at the time. I’ve dealt with everything from the lone blemish that stands out on the face and commands attention, to small bumps at the jawline, and persistent breakouts on the sides of the chin. And I did cry. All the time. I hated agreeing to social engagements weeks ahead of time for fear that another breakout might be around the corner. I hated meeting with new clients at work because I didn’t feel that people could take me seriously with my bad skin. And mostly I hated breaking out because it took such a toll on my self-esteem, even if I did a good job pretending that my breakouts didn’t bother me. I rarely took my make-up off, even when I was at home, because I couldn’t bear looking in the mirror and seeing the blemishes on my skin. I spent thousands of dollars buying makeup and skincare products to try and cover up the flaws, but nothing worked. The breakouts kept coming back and in some ways, they got worse. I cried myself to sleep on many nights and there were days when I didn’t even want to leave the house. When I was dealing with acne I saw numerous dermatologists, tried so many medications that my medicine cabinet looked like a narcotics lab, and tried nearly every skincare system in an effort to find something (anything) that worked. I bought the Zeno, the Marvel-Blue Mini (a hand held device that employs light therapy technology), the Pro-Activ system, and numerous over the counter acne medications. Even on “good” days my skin was relatively bad and over the years I learned how to become a magician with makeup.
When my now-husband proposed to me last September one thing became blatantly clear to me: I wanted flawless skin on my wedding day and I was willing to do anything to make it happen. Every dermatologist I saw continued to prescribe me higher doses of antibiotics in an effort to clear up my skin and still, nothing worked. I was finally ready to try Accutane when I heard about Calidora Skin Clinic. They promised to create a customized skincare plan for me and work with me to achieve the results I wanted.
My journey started with a complimentary 60-minute photo imaging complexion analysis followed by a detailed skincare plan that outlined the suggested treatments to help clear up my skin. In my case, the recommendation for treatment included a series of laser treatments in conjunction with customized chemical peels. When I weighed out the dangers of using Accutane with the price tag of pursuing the treatments at Calidora it was easy to see that Accutane was truly not an option. It was too risky and had the potential to cause birth defects and liver failure. So, I signed on for a treatment package at Calidora and took the plunge.
My first laser treatment at Calidora required patience because it actually made me break out worse. It’s sort of like when you get a good facial and it brings imperfections to the surface, the laser treatment had that same effect but the healing that followed was amazing. Once the blemishes started to heal my skin was smoother, calmer and the number of blemishes reduced. After a few laser treatments I could tell that my skin was headed in the right direction and the acne scars I had on my cheeks from previous breakouts were also beginning to diminish. The chemical peels were another story. I was so scared the first time I tried the peel because all I kept hearing from people was that it made your skin peel off in sheets. (Literally). Immediately after the peel is applied the skin is taut and smooth. Blemishes that were on the skin prior to the peel are significantly reduced and overall skin feels tingly and fresh. Peeling generally occurs within 1-3 days of the initial peel. My skin started peeling the next morning after the treatment and continued for at least two to three days afterward. Each day I slathered on a heavy moisturizer to help smooth the flakes and once the peeling was complete my skin unveiled a healthy glow I had never seen before.
My skin treatment plan continued and on a bi-weekly basis I alternated between laser treatments and chemical peels. It was a long process but by the time I was ready to say “I Do” my skin was ready too. In fact, it was glowing. Calidora helped me achieve the flawless skin I had always dreamed about and they did it without the use of harsh medications or prescription drugs.

Today my skin continues to remain clear and I’m so thankful to the amazing staff at Calidora Skin Clinic who supported me and helped me achieve my skincare goals. Having clear skin has changed my whole life and although at one point in time I was part of the 32% of women who have cried over a breakout I’m happy to report that thanks to Calidora I’m not part of that statistic anymore.

Just in time for the holidays, beauty giant L'Oreal has closed a deal to buy Redmond-based Pacific Bioscience Laboratories Inc., maker of the popular Clarisonic Cleansing Brush. President of the Luxe Division of L'Oreal USA Carol Hamilton hopes to continue to expand distribution of Clarisonic products and make it a household brand used by men and women all over the world. Pacific Bioscience will continue to operate out of it's Redmond headquarters under the direction of chief executive officer David Giuliani. Seattle beauty fans will no doubt be looking forward to the new opportunities that may be available at Pacific Bioscience in the months to come following the merger.

Looking oh-so-pretty for your holiday party doesn't mean parting with ridiculous amounts of cash. Many of the beauty products I use on a daily basis are from my neighborhood drugstore. Here are some of my favorite beauty products that will keep you looking beautiful on a budget.

I used to spend excessive amounts of money on designer foundation but I ran out while traveling and in a pinch picked up a bottle of L'Oreal's True Match Super Blendable Foundation. Turns out, I love this stuff! It's oil-free and comes in a full color spectrum of warm, neutral and cool shades. $10.99/1 fl. oz.

Rather than invest in a full tube of the season's hottest lipstick shade I like to test drive it first by finding a similar color from the NYX Cosmetics line. At $3.99 a tube I can can afford to go crazy with coral, flirt with fuschia or be prim and proper with a pretty pink without breaking the bank. This line is pigment-rich so each shade shows up at full intensity. If I like a color and it works well with my skintone then I'll be more likely to splurge on a tube from one of the designer lines like YSL or Tom Ford.

After spending years trying out numerous brow pencils on the market I finally came back to my first love: the original Cover Girl Brow pencil I used when I was sixteen. My favorite shade is midnight brown and the color is soft making the brows look natural and not over-done. $3.59/pack of two (plus a bonus sharpener)

My skin has been known to have a little mid-day shine, so I never leave the house without a pack of oil absorbing sheets in my cosmetics bag. My favorite blotters are from Clean & Clear and although I've tried numerous styles from other brands, this drugstore pick is still my favorite. The sheets lift oil without removing your make-up making them a budget friendly way to avoid looking like a hot mess.

Save time (and cotton balls) with Cutex Nailpolish Remover Wipes. One wipe cleans all 10 nails and the polish just slides right off. They are super easy to use and completely portable which makes them perfect for girls on-the-go. Allure Magazine even named this product one of their "Beauty Editor Favorites". $3.50/pack of 6 wipes.

Another drugstore fave is the Aveeno Positively Smooth Shave Gel. I started using this on a recent trip to a Florida where legs were bare and lots of swimming was involved and it's made me a believer. Formulated with natural soy this product helps you shave less often (I can vouch for this!) and works to prevent skin irritations including nicks, cuts and razor burn. My skin is noticeably softer after using this product and I highly recommend this to anyone in the market for a new shaving cream. It's even ok for sensitive skin! $3.99/7 oz. can

If you've ever been the victim of a static-related fashion faux paus you need to pick up a can of Static Guard Spray next time you're at the drugstore. This product is a staple in my fashion emergency kit and has saved me too may times to count. You can also use this product in a pinch to tame flyaway hair (just spray your brush). $3.99/1.4 oz.

Last but not least- for pretty peepers I really like Ardell DuraLash Naturals. They let me add volume and length where I need it without looking like a drag queen. The trick is to apply them as close to your natural lash line as possible. $4.99/pack

Holiday shopping for your fashion friends just got a lot easier- and potentially more affordable. Seattle-based Rian Handbags is having a sample sale this Thursday only! Running from 11am-8pm the sale will include deep discounts on production-quality handbags, totes, wallets, mens bags and more! Grab your friends, meet Rian himself, and take advantage of a great opportunity to shop local this holiday season!

What: Rian Handbags Sample Sale including merchandise from the Poverty Flats Line

When: Thursday, December 8th

Time: 11am-8pm

Location: 159 Western Avenue, Suite # 457, Seattle, WA 98119 (Located inside the NW Work Lofts Building. Suite #457 is above Rain Fitness on the second floor of the building).

The Prairie Underground sample sale is back just in time for the holiday shopping season! Taking place Dec. 3rd and 4th in Fremont shoppers will get to peruse hundreds of previous season hoodies, leggings and dresses at 50-80% off retail prices. This is a fun event designed to help women pick up some great gifts for the holidays and also a chance to fashion fans to meet Prairie Underground designers Davora Linder and Camilla Eckersley. 20% of sale proceeds will benefit BABES Network, a non-profit organization founded in 1989 to provide peer counseling and support to women with HIV/AIDS.

What: Prairie Underground Sample Sale

When: December 3rd and 4th from 10am-5pm

Where: The Canal Building- 716 N. 34th St. Seattle, WA 98103

Why: 50-80% off regular retail prices on last season's hoodies, leggings, and dresses. Need we say more? Oh yeah, and 20% of the proceeds are being donated to charity. Mark your calendars now!

Finding the perfect holiday gift for your fashion friends is easy with this helpful guide. And guess what? Everything featured is under $150. Happy Holidays!

The VS Fashion Show is tomorrow night- and chances are, your fashion friends will be more than inspired by the beautiful angels prancing down the runway! We love this VS Fashion Show Makeup Essentials Kit featuring gold dust shadow, Triple Drama Mascara, Sparkling lip gloss in 'Delight', and all-over Shimmer Powder in 'Candy Girl'.

For the perfect princess, check out this waterfall ruffle duvet set by Urban Outfitters. It's both romantic and dramatic at the same time. This set is available in three colorways, but we can't imagine this many ruffles in anything but pure white.

Fashionistas will be thrilled to find a copy of "The Rise of Fashion" under the tree this year. This book is a great resource for anyone who aspires to succeed in the business of luxury fashion. In the book, former Bergdorf Goodman CEO Ira Neimark recounts how Bergdorf helped build the fashion industry during one of the most exciting periods in its history.

Almost better than a bottle of bubbly- a Champagne inspired candle by Voluspa. Featuring notes of apricot and coconut, and yielding over 80 hours of burn time this candle will last long into the New Year!

For the fashion fiend who has a thing for monogram inspired jewelry- a 14k gold navel ring by Fresh Trends is the perfect pick. Mid-winter vacations are just around the corner and a little bit of bling is always on the agenda for die hard fashionistas.

A beautiful Pashmina scarf is the perfect gift for your fashion friends who have it all. These scarves are perfect for travel because they can be used as a blanket on the plane, as a sarong on the beach, and in the evening as a luxurious wrap.

Just because you're on a budget doesn't mean you can't give the gift of YSL this season. This luxe holiday makeup set is a great value at just $65 and includes Touche Éclat which eliminating dark circles and signs of fatigue, Golden Gloss which shimmers with the help of 24-karat gold flecks, YSL's signature Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils and a Waterproof Eye Pencil.

Pretty polish sets make the perfect stocking stuffer! We love this Rock & Roller polish set by Butter London. This pack contains Henley Regatta, Snog & Union Jack Black so that the recipient can change their polish with their mood. :D

Black and gold are two of my favorite colors, so it just makes sense that I dedicate this Christmas Wish List to them. Happy Shopping!

When there's a chill in the air, your fashion friends will feel glamorous wrapping themselves in this metallic Roberto Cavalli silk scarf. Featuring a snakeskin print, this scarf is pure silk and made in Italy.

Featuring a luxe gold platform and dripping in cool, these Kurt Geiger C'est Suede Peep toe pumps are simply amazing for prancing around town en route to holiday parties. Made in Italy and embellished in Swaroski crystals, these shoes will put a smile on any fashionistas face.

Illuminate the eyes with a festive sweep of gold for your holiday parties and engagements. This YSL Ombre Solo Eyeshadow has an embossed logo and includes both a sponge and a brush applicator in the lid for easy touch-ups on the go.

Surprise your flashy friends for Christmas with this gold menswear Nixon watch. It's Swiss made for quality and cool enough to make your friends forgo their iPhones and look instead at their wrist for the time. (Oh the good old days!)

Create a pretty pout with the YSL Golden Gloss Holiday Set featuring sparkling 24-karat gold flecks (0.2%). This set makes the perfect stocking stuffer and your friends who are suckers for pretty packaging will fall in love with the gold foil box.

This Marc by Marc Jacobs watch is more black than gold- but still awesome enough to be part of this wishlist. Half bracelet/half watch, this studded beauty makes the perfect punk rock accessory.

And to "go for the gold" from head to toe this holiday season check out these gold booties from UO. Featuring a 5-inch wedge heel and dripping in gold glitter- this shoe is sure to turn a few heads.

It's that time of year again! Dj Mullet will be back in action at the Queen Anne Dispatch Friends & Family sale next Friday, Nov. 18th from 6-10pm. Enjoy 20% off all the brands you love including French Connection, Voluspa, Butter London, Lole, Besame Cosmetics, and lots more. Get your holiday shopping done early and have it gift wrapped too! Drinks and light bites will be served. Can't make the party? The 20% discount is valid in store all day Friday.

This is my favorite boutique on Queen Anne and I can't walk into this store without walking out with something fabulous. Shop local this season and check out the QAD Friends & Family sale, Friday Nov. 18th!

If you've been thinking about getting involved in the Seattle fashion community check out the Fashion Group International New Member Networking night taking place tonight at SPUN Collective on Capitol Hill. Fashion Group has been around in Seattle for over 25+ years and has a rich history in the city. Come meet the board of directors, hear their vision for 2012 and sign up for membership with a global organization dedicated to fashion industry professionals.

What: FGI New Member Networking Night (for new members, prospective members and existing members!)

When: Wednesday, Nov. 9th from 6-8pm

Where: Spun Collective is located at 1515 14th Ave. Seattle, WA 98122

Why: Meet the FGI Seattle board, connect with fashion industry professionals and learn why being part of this global, non-profit organization can help boost your fashion profile and international business connections

Seattle designer Lisa Hunter of Vian Hunter House of Fashion is hosting a special cocktail party on 11.11.11 to celebrate her second anniversary in Madison Valley! The event will include informal modeling (by guests!), mens cashmere sweaters from J. Hilburn, and a trunk show by designer Lizzie Parker. Admission is free but a $5 suggested donation is requested to benefit the Jubilee Women's Center.

What: Vian Hunter 2nd Anniversary Cocktail Party

When: Nov. 11, 2011

Where: Vian Hunter is located in Madison Valley at 2814 E. Madison Street

This holiday season will be marked with a total technology take-over. With so many Americans plugged in, we're definitely going to need some chic accessories to camouflage our geeky tendencies. Here are some stylish solutions for the fashion fanatics on your list.

Girls who have an obsession with the iPad will love this Marc by Marc Jacobs neoprene case with zip closure. Featuring an embossed logo, gold name plate and light padding, this case is perfect for work or play and comes in several color options.

These Juicy Couture earbuds make a great stocking stuffer for your fashionista friends who are into music. The headphones feature a beaded cord and come packaged in a super cute faux-fur lined glittery case. I know several stylish bus riders who need these headphones to make the ride home a little more fun!

How sweet are these heart shaped Marc by Marc Jacobs earbuds? These are perfect gift for your label loving friends who have everything. (You know who you are!)

Looking more like a stylish handbag than an iPad case, this Marc by Marc Jacobs number is one of my favorite holiday finds! This case comes in three colors (light pink, hot pink and black) and is made from real leather.

Kate Spade New York has the perfect gift for the "funny fashionista" in your life: air quote mittens! These gloves are ribbed knit with white lining made of merino wool. I wonder if she does ear muffs too.....

In another life I think I was supposed to be a spy which probably explains why I really like this BodyGard Survivor Platinum 12-in-1 Device. It includes an LED flashlight, red emergency flashers, digital radio with LCD display, panic button/personal alarm, motion-activated security alarm, compass, signaling mirror, and thermometer plus comes with adapters to hook up to your cell phone. Pretty sweet.

Say goodbye to nerdy USB flash drives and say HELLO to this adorable lipstick shaped USB flash thumb drive that doubles as a key chain. Available in 4-32GB.

This season I might be taking my office calls from this "retro" pink Swaroski Crystal handset available at Kitson for $695. Designed by David Turpin for Native Union this phone can be plugged right into your iPhone and has a built in microphone for high quality sound.

But if you'd rather skip the handset and add some bling to your iPhone check out this ICE London brown leopard print iPhone 4 cover. This phone has been carefully handcrafted with real Swarovski crystals.

It's the color of these speakers that had me at hello. They're mini, collapsible, and have mini built-in batteries that can be charged via USB. Available on Apple.com in multiple colors.

The Bellevue Club holiday bazaar is tomorrow from 9am to 3pm! Start your holiday shopping early and forget about stressing over lame last minute gifts. This year's vendors include Vemayca Cosmetic Bags, Bella Femme Boutique, Angelica Buri Designs, Opal boutique, Courtney Rian Designs, Vue Society, and many more! View the full list of participating vendors on the Bellevue Club website.

Next Friday Show Pony in Fremont is hosting a private shopping event featuring stylist Tannya Bernadette. Guests will enjoy 20% off all merchandise, style consultations with Tannya Bernadette, Make-up + Hair Consultations and Touch-ups with Intermezzo Salon and Tiffany Nash, plus on-site alterations from Judy's Leather Repair & Alterations. The event is limited to the first 25 guests who sign up. Refreshments are included in the $15 ticket price.

What: Show Pony Style Soiree feat. Tannya Bernadette

When: Friday, November 11th

Time: 6 – 9 PM

Location: Show Pony 702 N. 35th Seattle, WA 98103 in Fremont

Cost: $15 Call (206) 706-4188 for tickets and to RSVP!

Feeling social? Follow Show Pony on Twitter @Showponyseattle. You can also find stylist Tannya Bernadette on Twitter @tbstylist.

The 2011 Nieman Marcus Christmas book is out! The 172-page catalog features a variety of gifts and over 600 items featured are $250 or less.

Fashion lovers will appreciate the Chanel book set from Assouline which chronicles the legendary Coco Chanel brand. The set comes in a signature Chanel tweed slipcase. These books make a great addition to a fashion office bookshelf or a company coffee table.

Beauty enthusiasts will love Ken Downing's nailcolor and lipstick duos. The Nieman Marcus Fashion director has teamed up with Le Metier de Beaute to put together three vineyard-inspired combos. Set 1; includes Gypsy Rose Me Nail Color and Red My Lips Lipstick. Set 2; includes Ken's Bodacious Bordeaux Nail Color and Ken's Wine on the Vine Lipstick. Set 3; includes Vintage Ken Nail Color and I'm Worn This Way Lipstick.

And what would the Nieman Marcus Christmas book be without the fantasy gifts? How about a Neiman Marcus-Edition Hacker-Craft Speedboat? For $250,000 this 27-foot solid mahogany gem can be yours!

I love a little bling. I once had a co-worker (shout out: Sarah Peak!) who spent hours applying rhinestones to my gold stapler so that all my office supplies would be jewel encrusted. Tweezerman obviously believes in a little bling too. These babies are made from real Swaroski Crystals! (ps. The little lipstick-looking tube is actually a holder for the tweezers!) Such a posh gift for a lady in your life who deserves to be pampered.

Check out the entire Christmas book online at Nieman Marcus.com. You can also follow Nieman Marcus on Twitter @neimanmarcus.

Meet Sydney

Sydney Mintle is a fashion blogger based in Seattle. She began writing about the local shopping scene back in 2008 and has been sharing her love of indie designers and boutiques with readers all over the world ever since.